Tag: writing

• Indie Authors: Embrace Correction

  I have had some wonderful book reviewers in the past who have taken the time to compile mistakes in the books I have written. It’s rather humiliating and frustrating – BUT – I’m so glad they have done it! The honest truth is, I have not perfected my revision and editing process, but I am…

  sassevn

  January 10, 2015

  Indie Author

  editing, editing advice, editing for indie authors, how to edit your manuscript, writing, writing advice

• I just hit 50,000 words for the fifth time. That deserves a post.

  For me, a writer who likes to be concise, hitting 50,000 words is always a feat, but I’m noticing that it’s not nearly as big a deal as it used to be. Fifty-thousand is, of course, the usual plateau where a work officially is granted the title of novel – though I’m not sure who…

  sassevn

  January 8, 2015

  Indie Author, Writing Process

  50000 words, novel length, novel vs novella, writing, writing goals, writing process

• I Feel a Focus Break Coming On

  I’m starting to feel like I’m hitting a writing wall with my new novel. It’s not writer’s block. I know what I want to write, but I’m losing interest for the moment. It’s not because I’m not happy with the story. I am, and I can’t wait to see it through. But I’ve noticed that…

  sassevn

  January 7, 2015

  Writing Process

  a writer’s break, writer’s block, writing, writing focus, writing process

• Keep it Simple. Stick to the Story. (Flowery not required)

  This post is basically a reminder to myself, if nothing else. I often lament over sentences that I write, thinking they are too stale, too boring, too similar to what I always write. I want the adverbs to flow, the impressive vocabulary to astound, the metaphors to soar. But so often, writing seems so ordinary.…

  sassevn

  January 5, 2015

  Indie Author, Writing Process

  authentic writing, faulkner, flowery language, Henry James, vocabulary, writing, writing process. what makes a great story

• Are you following the crowd (through the red light)?

  I pulled up to a red light on my motorbike and sat beside several other motorbikes at the front of a long line of cars. One of the other bikes, which is often the case, took off through the red light, anticipating that the light was about to change green. Another motorbike followed suit, then…

  sassevn

  January 4, 2015

  Indie Author, Life

  being original, following passion, following the crowd, genre writing, original writing, peer pressure, writing

• Finding a new place to write

  I’m always on the lookout for new and interesting places to write. Since I live on a tropical island, one would think the possibilities are endless. Well, let’s look at some of the requirements that I have to ensure a proper writing environment. Outdoors. Public place (preferably) No loud annoying music. A view of the…

  sassevn

  December 30, 2014

  Indie Author

  Penang, where to write, writing, writing locations, writing process

• Is Writing Your Priority?

  I ran into this question recently: Is writing my priority? I spend a lot of time on social media, trying to promote and connect the best way possible. I also spend time writing blog posts and mulling over new ideas. But what about writing? I don’t mean revising or editing or anything like that. I…

  sassevn

  December 29, 2014

  Indie Author

  editing, indie author, revising, writing, writing advice, writing process

• Short Writing Sessions No More

  Suddenly, I can’t get away with short writing sessions. I spent the last couple of years with a laptop that had a maximum battery life of an hour and a half. It was limiting for a writer, but it helped me focus on my writing and do the best I could until the dreaded battery…

  sassevn

  December 21, 2014

  Indie Author, Writing Process

  indie author, laptop for writing, writing, writing process

• Reflections on Two Years as an Indie Author

  December 2014 is the two year anniversary of my decision to become an independent author. It’s really been an amazing ride thus far. I’ve learned so much, made a whole lot of mistakes, and met some great people. I don’t regret the decision at all. So I just want to reminisce for a minute about…

  sassevn

  December 18, 2014

  Indie Author

  book promotion, indie author anniversary, lessons learned about indie publishing, promotion, publishing, writing

• Where do mid-latitude writers write in the winter?

  I live in the low latitudes, tucked right north of the equator, still a long way and many degrees separation from the Tropic of Cancer. That means one crucial thing – in December – March, I still do my writing outdoors. At the beach. At a cafe by the pier. In a little open-air food…

  sassevn

  December 15, 2014

  Indie Author, Writing Process

  location for writing, writing, writing in the northern hemisphere, writing in the tropics, writing process